Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Vista, CA
Not everything has to be a major trauma.
I have a broad, varied background after 25 years as a therapist. As a mother and grandmother I think that I have not only a clinical understanding of the challenges many face, but also a personal understanding. I specialize in maternity issues, addictions and am EMDR ( trauma) trained.
Not everything has to be a major trauma.
I have a broad, varied background after 25 years as a therapist. As a mother and grandmother I think that I have not only a clinical understanding of the challenges many face, but also a personal understanding. I specialize in maternity issues, addictions and am EMDR ( trauma) trained.
Paula Ratter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, RN
3 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92081
Waitlist for new clients
I’ve counseled many who have undergone past or recent trauma
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
I’ve counseled many who have undergone past or recent trauma
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
I also have extensive experience with trauma and its effects.
Through the use of EMDR, I am able to provide healing for issues such as PTSD, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Also, I have 30 years experience in special education with experience in ADHA and Learning Disorders. I also can provide EMDR in person or online.
I also have extensive experience with trauma and its effects.
Through the use of EMDR, I am able to provide healing for issues such as PTSD, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Also, I have 30 years experience in special education with experience in ADHA and Learning Disorders. I also can provide EMDR in person or online.
Specialty areas include complex trauma therapy ( Trauma-Focused CBT Certified), substance use management, individual, couples and family systems therapy, and suicidal and defiant children and teens.
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
Specialty areas include complex trauma therapy ( Trauma-Focused CBT Certified), substance use management, individual, couples and family systems therapy, and suicidal and defiant children and teens.
My clients are individuals who often carry with them unresolved feelings from either their past or present challenges. Viewing those issues from an objective and trusted practitioner is vital to the change process. Always viewing my clients with unconditional positive regard is essential to us being successful. Therapy can often be the first time someone gets to step out of the day to day of their lives. My hope is during this introspection, I can coach you in the direction you need to go, not where my training thinks you should go. While I may illuminate potential paths, you're taking the steps with me right behind you!
I can’t lie about it, sometimes therapy hurts. Growing pains are real, and often what we need in order to move forward is the very thing we find hardest to do. The purpose of therapy isn’t always to feel better, it is to feel more.
I can’t lie about it, sometimes therapy hurts. Growing pains are real, and often what we need in order to move forward is the very thing we find hardest to do. The purpose of therapy isn’t always to feel better, it is to feel more.
Supporting my keen interest in developing a healthy self during each phase of life is specific training in trauma, including child and sexual abuse, and compulsive behaviors.
When we've lost touch with our truer self, life is just harder. If you're not as present and engaged in your life as you'd like, you may also find your body weighing in through symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns of behavior. Underlying such symptoms are often vital, "offline" parts of ourselves that a good therapeutic alliance can help you to identify, strengthen and expand. If you're experiencing a readiness to take your online search for a therapist to the next level, I offer a brief phone consultation to help determine goodness of fit.
Supporting my keen interest in developing a healthy self during each phase of life is specific training in trauma, including child and sexual abuse, and compulsive behaviors.
When we've lost touch with our truer self, life is just harder. If you're not as present and engaged in your life as you'd like, you may also find your body weighing in through symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns of behavior. Underlying such symptoms are often vital, "offline" parts of ourselves that a good therapeutic alliance can help you to identify, strengthen and expand. If you're experiencing a readiness to take your online search for a therapist to the next level, I offer a brief phone consultation to help determine goodness of fit.
Chelsie Giambrone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MA, BCD, LCSW, LISW-S, LICDC
Vista, CA 92081
Waitlist for new clients
We provide assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy for all types of anxiety, trauma, stress and eating disorders.
Beyond standard sessions, we offer Exposure Intensives. Intensives are 3 hour Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) sessions for phobias, panic, OCD or PTSD. Intensive sessions accelerate treatment and provide more immediate symptom relief. Home and community sessions are available.
We provide assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy for all types of anxiety, trauma, stress and eating disorders.
Beyond standard sessions, we offer Exposure Intensives. Intensives are 3 hour Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) sessions for phobias, panic, OCD or PTSD. Intensive sessions accelerate treatment and provide more immediate symptom relief. Home and community sessions are available.
These professions often involve repeated exposure to stress, uncertainty, trauma, and significant personal sacrifice, which can affect well-being, relationships, and life outside of work.
My clinical experience includes providing trauma-focused treatment for first responders in intensive outpatient settings and working with veterans within the VHA. This work has given me insight into the demands of careers that require performing under pressure, responding to critical incidents, and regularly placing the needs of others before their own.
These professions often involve repeated exposure to stress, uncertainty, trauma, and significant personal sacrifice, which can affect well-being, relationships, and life outside of work.
My clinical experience includes providing trauma-focused treatment for first responders in intensive outpatient settings and working with veterans within the VHA. This work has given me insight into the demands of careers that require performing under pressure, responding to critical incidents, and regularly placing the needs of others before their own.
I have worked extensively with individuals and families struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and ADHD/ADD.
Throughout my career as a therapist, I have worked with individuals, families, and couples to navigate through difficult times. With compassion and understanding, I work to create a warm and safe environment so that each individual can build upon their strengths in order to attain the personal growth that they are committed to accomplishing in their lives. In a collaborative environment, support and practical feedback will be offered that effectively addresses personal life challenges. I incorporate complimentary techniques to offer a tailored approach that is personalized to each client.
I have worked extensively with individuals and families struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and ADHD/ADD.
Throughout my career as a therapist, I have worked with individuals, families, and couples to navigate through difficult times. With compassion and understanding, I work to create a warm and safe environment so that each individual can build upon their strengths in order to attain the personal growth that they are committed to accomplishing in their lives. In a collaborative environment, support and practical feedback will be offered that effectively addresses personal life challenges. I incorporate complimentary techniques to offer a tailored approach that is personalized to each client.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I’m glad you’re here. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in meeting people where they are and supporting them with empathy, respect, and curiosity. Since 2018, I have had the opportunity to support individuals who may be experiencing life transitions, stress, or emotional challenges, as well as anyone who is simply looking for guidance, support, or greater self-understanding. I also have additional experience working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including college communities, active-duty military members, veterans, first responders, and their families.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I’m glad you’re here. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in meeting people where they are and supporting them with empathy, respect, and curiosity. Since 2018, I have had the opportunity to support individuals who may be experiencing life transitions, stress, or emotional challenges, as well as anyone who is simply looking for guidance, support, or greater self-understanding. I also have additional experience working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including college communities, active-duty military members, veterans, first responders, and their families.
I have additional training in trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment modalities.
Reaching out for help can be hard especially when you don't know what to expect, or were unsatisfied with therapy in the past. I offer a collaborative relationship and I encourage feedback on my style and the therapeutic techniques so that you can get the most out of our time.
I have additional training in trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment modalities.
Reaching out for help can be hard especially when you don't know what to expect, or were unsatisfied with therapy in the past. I offer a collaborative relationship and I encourage feedback on my style and the therapeutic techniques so that you can get the most out of our time.
My theoretical approach focuses on assessing each client from a trauma-informed lens while identifying interpersonal needs through a bio-psychosocial lens.
In my 20 years of counseling/ therapeutic experience, I have worked with clients in various settings including adult mental health institutions, outpatient clinics, foster youth in residential treatment, and incarcerated juveniles.
My theoretical approach focuses on assessing each client from a trauma-informed lens while identifying interpersonal needs through a bio-psychosocial lens.
In my 20 years of counseling/ therapeutic experience, I have worked with clients in various settings including adult mental health institutions, outpatient clinics, foster youth in residential treatment, and incarcerated juveniles.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist providing neuropsychological evaluation, cognitive assessment, and therapy for individuals experiencing difficulties related to concussion, traumatic brain injury, stress, trauma, and complex neurological or psychological symptoms.
At Aether Brain Health, I work with individuals seeking clarity about cognitive or emotional changes affecting work, school, or relationships. Neuropsychological evaluation helps identify patterns of attention, memory, executive functioning, and emotional health to guide diagnosis, treatment planning, and meaningful support.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist providing neuropsychological evaluation, cognitive assessment, and therapy for individuals experiencing difficulties related to concussion, traumatic brain injury, stress, trauma, and complex neurological or psychological symptoms.
At Aether Brain Health, I work with individuals seeking clarity about cognitive or emotional changes affecting work, school, or relationships. Neuropsychological evaluation helps identify patterns of attention, memory, executive functioning, and emotional health to guide diagnosis, treatment planning, and meaningful support.
I am a warm, supportive, non-judgmental therapist that helps people with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, substance dependence, and relationshIp issues.
As an empathetic, trauma-focused therapist, I've treated individuals, couples, and families in private practice, non-profit, and AA and Buddhist-based treatment facilities. I am a Masters-level substance abuse specialist, trained in mindfulness, somatic therapies and EMDR, and use culturally-sensitive, relational, attachment-based treatment orientations.
I am a warm, supportive, non-judgmental therapist that helps people with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, substance dependence, and relationshIp issues.
As an empathetic, trauma-focused therapist, I've treated individuals, couples, and families in private practice, non-profit, and AA and Buddhist-based treatment facilities. I am a Masters-level substance abuse specialist, trained in mindfulness, somatic therapies and EMDR, and use culturally-sensitive, relational, attachment-based treatment orientations.
I have extensive experience with trauma, and I am EMDR-trained.
My overall approach is mindfulness-based, as I believe that our thoughts and the emotions related to those thoughts control our life. Personally, I have struggled with anxiety and depression at various times in my life and have used many different modalities to affect change in my life.
I have extensive experience with trauma, and I am EMDR-trained.
My overall approach is mindfulness-based, as I believe that our thoughts and the emotions related to those thoughts control our life. Personally, I have struggled with anxiety and depression at various times in my life and have used many different modalities to affect change in my life.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or caught in repeating emotional or relational patterns and want both insight and practical tools, I support people navigating trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem struggles, and intense emotions.
Hi, I’m Leah Yeshnik, LMFT.
I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is honest, direct, and grounded in presence. I listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and bring compassion, respect, consistency, humor, and accountability into the therapeutic space. My work is especially attuned to the emotional and relational experiences of women.
I incorporate a range of modalities to meet different learning styles and needs, including expressive arts, journaling, self-reflection, skill building, and somatic practices
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or caught in repeating emotional or relational patterns and want both insight and practical tools, I support people navigating trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem struggles, and intense emotions.
Hi, I’m Leah Yeshnik, LMFT.
I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is honest, direct, and grounded in presence. I listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and bring compassion, respect, consistency, humor, and accountability into the therapeutic space. My work is especially attuned to the emotional and relational experiences of women.
I incorporate a range of modalities to meet different learning styles and needs, including expressive arts, journaling, self-reflection, skill building, and somatic practices
Summer can be a season of growth! Just as nature flourishes in the warmth and light, this season can be an opportunity to invest in your own growth journey.
Hi I'm Kelsey, and I help college students and moms overcome stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. I meet with clients in California (in-person and virtual) and South Carolina (virtual).
Working with me, you will develop skills and insight that will help you meet your personal goals. This time of year can bring on a lot of stressors. I can help you through this season and help empower you to make confident choices.
Summer can be a season of growth! Just as nature flourishes in the warmth and light, this season can be an opportunity to invest in your own growth journey.
Hi I'm Kelsey, and I help college students and moms overcome stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. I meet with clients in California (in-person and virtual) and South Carolina (virtual).
Working with me, you will develop skills and insight that will help you meet your personal goals. This time of year can bring on a lot of stressors. I can help you through this season and help empower you to make confident choices.
Many of whom are military veterans, first responders, survivors of human trafficking, or professionals with highly sensitive roles who need a safe, confidential space to process trauma.
Specializing in trauma and PTSD with EMDR, I bring deep experience working with military veterans, human trafficking survivors, sexual trauma and deeply rooted hurts. My background includes forensic interviewing and supporting clients with high levels of trauma. I help adults process difficult experiences and move forward with clarity and strength.
Many of whom are military veterans, first responders, survivors of human trafficking, or professionals with highly sensitive roles who need a safe, confidential space to process trauma.
Specializing in trauma and PTSD with EMDR, I bring deep experience working with military veterans, human trafficking survivors, sexual trauma and deeply rooted hurts. My background includes forensic interviewing and supporting clients with high levels of trauma. I help adults process difficult experiences and move forward with clarity and strength.
I work with a variety of clients who all have one thing in common; the need to make sense of and overcome longstanding or deeply entrenched relationship or personal challenges. People like you, who grow tired of asking "When does life get better, and when do things change?" My answer may surprise you...it doesn't, and they don't. But that's our reason for hope; we don't have to rely on fuzzy concepts like "life" and "things", when we can engage in a powerful therapeutic process of authentic connection, restoration of hope, psychoeducation, evidence-based treatments, and helping you balance radical acceptance with skillful change.
I work with a variety of clients who all have one thing in common; the need to make sense of and overcome longstanding or deeply entrenched relationship or personal challenges. People like you, who grow tired of asking "When does life get better, and when do things change?" My answer may surprise you...it doesn't, and they don't. But that's our reason for hope; we don't have to rely on fuzzy concepts like "life" and "things", when we can engage in a powerful therapeutic process of authentic connection, restoration of hope, psychoeducation, evidence-based treatments, and helping you balance radical acceptance with skillful change.
I work with adults ages 18+ to address anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship issues, and life transitions.
You’ve managed your anxiety for a while but lately it’s feeling more like your anxiety is managing you. You just want a moment of peace, where your mind isn’t spinning with what-ifs and to-dos, leaving you buzzing and frozen at the same time. You have some “coping skills” but lately even those feel as effective as putting out a wildfire with a squirt gun. And no matter how much others try to reassure you, you can’t shake the ever-present thought, “Yeah, but what if they’re WRONG?”
I work with adults ages 18+ to address anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship issues, and life transitions.
You’ve managed your anxiety for a while but lately it’s feeling more like your anxiety is managing you. You just want a moment of peace, where your mind isn’t spinning with what-ifs and to-dos, leaving you buzzing and frozen at the same time. You have some “coping skills” but lately even those feel as effective as putting out a wildfire with a squirt gun. And no matter how much others try to reassure you, you can’t shake the ever-present thought, “Yeah, but what if they’re WRONG?”
See more therapy options for Vista
Nearby Trauma and PTSD Therapists Searches for Vista
- Bonsall
- Camp Pendleton
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Oceanside
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
Trauma and PTSD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.